Family Receiving FASD Services
Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) is one of the most common neurodevelopmental disabilities in Canada, impacting about 4% of Canadians. FASD is also misunderstood and stigmatized, which affects not only individuals diagnosed but their families as well. Stigma perpetuates silence, shame, and isolation. Too often, blame falls unfairly on mothers, ignoring the complex realities of addiction and trauma.
For 15 years, our FASD team in our DaCapo Disability Services department has been a beacon of hope for hundreds of families, adults, and children impacted by FASD. Through our multidisciplinary assessment and diagnostic services, we are changing lives, one diagnosis, one connection, and one family at a time.
One of the most powerful stories we've encountered recently involves a grandfather and his three grandchildren. After losing his daughter to addiction in 2024, the grandfather stepped in to care for her children, his grandkids, with an exceptional amount of love and patience. But there was also uncertainty—educational challenges had been identified, but without a clear understanding of the source. Support was hard to find until he came to us. The children received a diagnosis of FASD from our clinic, granting the grandfather answers and a plan for the future. Diagnosis comes with support, understanding, education, and interventions.
LFS helps to build supportive communities and spaces that understand FASD is a lifelong, invisible disability. More than a service provider, our FASD team is a caring group of professionals and advocates, committed to making a difference. Krystal Simon (FASD Pediatric Follow-up Coordinator) says, “Low barrier support provides total wrap-around services to adapt to the individual's needs and where they are in the moment. We adapt to what works for the person. They do not need to fit into the 'square' hole.”
Through education, advocacy, and compassion, we can fight stigma around FASD. We can teach empathy in our schools. We can uplift families by using respectful language, connecting them with others who understand, and continuing to push for policies that prioritize early intervention and care.
